Best Southern American Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

143 restaurants available nearby

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

1. House of Prime Rib

4.8

Exceptional(15777)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 276 times today

House of Prime Rib, nestled in the vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness neighborhood of San Francisco, is a bastion of exceptional American cuisine, specializing in an unparalleled prime rib experience. Celebrated for its 62-year legacy, this restaurant is a favorite for its "juicy and perfectly cooked" prime rib selections, from the English Cut to the King Henry Cut. Patrons rave about the "tender and flavorful" meat and the classic accompaniments like creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding, emphasizing that it's not just a meal but an "unforgettable experience." The ambiance, described as energetic and celebratory, perfectly complements the top-notch service and old-school charm, making House of Prime Rib a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential American dining experience.

A photo of The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina Tiburon restaurant

2. The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina Tiburon

4.7

Exceptional(200)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Tiburon

Booked 21 times today

Experience the epitome of American culinary excellence at The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina in Tiburon. This restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere that complements its innovative American dishes, brilliantly curated by the award-winning chef Michael Mina. Each meal is an adventure, with standout options like the "exquisite" lobster pot pie and the "flavorful" king crab pasta winning hearts. Diners rave about the "amazing" service and the stunning bay views, making every visit memorable. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a special dinner, The Bungalow Kitchen celebrates American cuisine with a sophisticated flair that keeps guests returning for more. Whether it's the "delicious and perfectly plated dishes" or the "incredible craft cocktails," this spot is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in the Bay Area.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

3. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4164)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • North Beach

Booked 71 times today

Original Joe's in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach is a true emblem of authentic Italian-American cuisine, offering a dining experience that's both classic and exceptional. Established over 80 years ago, it stands as the oldest of the Joe's restaurants nationwide, pioneering the renowned "Joe's Concept." With its iconic red leather booths and a menu celebrated for its Italian American flair, Original Joe's is a bastion of comfort food crafted with a Northern Californian twist. Glowing reviews often highlight dishes like the "best lasagna I have ever tasted" and praise its "incredible customer service." Whether it's the meatballs or the linguini and clams, each dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition, making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine slice of San Francisco's culinary heritage.

4. Sula

4.7

Exceptional(212)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Sausalito

Booked 28 times today

Sula in Sausalito truly embodies the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine, offering diners a delightful culinary journey with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that are both beautifully plated and bursting with flavors sourced directly from local farms. Guests consistently rave about the "excellent food and service," with special mentions of the "beautifully presented and tasty" dishes that make every meal memorable. The use of fresh, local ingredients ensures that each dish served is not only sustainable but also supports local agriculture, making Sula a gem for those seeking authentic and consciential dining in Northern California.

5. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7776)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 88 times today

At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.

6. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5367)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Presidio Heights

Booked 37 times today

Open for lunch (two courses/$65), brunch (three courses/$98), and dinner (three courses/$125), Spruce offers seasonal prix-fixe menus crafted by Chef Mark Sullivan. Each menu offers a wide range of options, as well as luxurious additions (examples: caviar, truffles) for supplemental prices. Our cuisines is complemented by an extensive wine list which holds "Wine Spectator" magazine's highest honor, a Grand Award. The bar/lounge is available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to Spruce soon!

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

7. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6021)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 95 times today

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.

8. The Trident

4.4

Awesome(2114)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Sausalito

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the picturesque backdrop of Sausalito, CA, The Trident offers a premier dining experience that stands out in the realm of Contemporary American cuisine. With its stunning waterfront location, guests are treated to breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay while savoring exceptionally crafted dishes. Patrons often rave about the "best fish and chips and cioppino" they've ever tasted, highlighting the freshness and quality of the seafood offered. The ambiance, infused with historical charm and modern elegance, complements the culinary excellence, making every meal memorable. As one reviewer put it, "the food was probably the best we had on our trip to SF," underscoring The Trident's commitment to quality and authenticity in its Contemporary American offerings. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual outing, The Trident promises a dining experience that's both enchanting and delicious, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a longing to return.

9. Harris'

4.8

Exceptional(5481)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Russian Hill

Booked 36 times today

At Harris' in the heart of Russian Hill, San Francisco, steak enthusiasts are treated to an unparalleled dining experience. Known for its commitment to quality, Harris' boasts dry-aged, mid-western beef that diners describe as "cooked to perfection," with the prime rib and filet mignon receiving special accolades. The ambiance, enriched with live jazz, complements the "old school steakhouse vibe" and enhances the culinary journey. Patrons consistently praise the attentive service and the well-crafted martinis, making every visit memorable. As one reviewer puts it, Harris' steaks are "the best steakhouse I've had in the city for a long time." Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a sophisticated night out, Harris' is a top choice for those seeking the best steak in San Francisco.

10. Boulevard

4.7

Exceptional(9053)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 56 times today

Boulevard, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with an innovative twist. The restaurant recently refreshed its approach, offering a multi-course prefix menu that dazzles diners. Reviewers rave about its culinary delights, describing dishes like the "out of this world" strawberry yuzu sundae and flavor-packed stuffed morels as highlights of their dining experience. Boulevard's commitment to quality is evident, with one patron noting, "Boulevard never disappoints! Excellent food. We have eaten there many times and it is always exceptional." This gem provides not just a meal but a memorable dining adventure, making it a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Contemporary American fare in a sophisticated setting.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
jalyn
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
Very friendly staff and amazing food will be going back Forsure!
More info
Pierre PierrePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Oakland
•
4.4
N
Nancy
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
Prelude is such a gem that we are lucky to have in the Bay Area. In an era where tasting menus can often leave you underwhelmed and needing a slice of pizza at the end, Prelude did the exact opposite. While I did opt for the caviar supplement and added on the sweetbreads dish from the ala carte menu, even without the extras I still would have left full to the brim. Some can’t miss dishes are the stuffed chicken wing, the catfish dumplings, the aforementioned sweetbreads, and the pork chop. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I found the by the glass wine options superb- I was particularly fond of a pour of a very special 1996 Chenin Blanc with dessert. I look forward to returning to Prelude again and again.
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
L
Laura
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
First time at Hard Knox Cafe. We chose it because of the reviews and its proximity to the Legion of Honor. We met my niece and nephew and the staff was very accomodating of guest arriving at different times. The food arrived quickly and was very hot which was terrific. The portions are very generous and we had dinner the next night on the leftovers. The food was flavorful without being spicy. We ordered fried chicken dinner with yam fries and salad; ribs with corn and coleslaw; spicy fried chicken with collard greens and another vegetable; and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. We all enjoyed our food and will definitely be returning.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement StreetPrice: Moderate• Southern• Richmond District
•
4.8
C
Chadvip
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 7, 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Southern• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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San Francisco Bay Area

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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143 restaurants available nearby

1. House of Prime Rib

2. The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina Tiburon

3. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4. Sula

5. Wayfare Tavern

6. Spruce

7. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

8. The Trident

9. Harris'

10. Boulevard

See what locals rave about

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